Odoo 18 brings another round of powerful updates and new features designed to make your business operations smoother, more efficient, and easier to manage. With a focus on enhancing user experience, AI-driven features, and advanced manufacturing and inventory tools, Odoo 18 continues to solidify its place as one of the most comprehensive ERP platforms on the market. Let’s explore what’s new in Odoo 18 and how these updates will impact your business.
1. Revamped Mobile Experience
In Odoo 18, the mobile user interface (UI) has been redesigned to offer a smoother, more streamlined experience. Key updates include:
- Mobile-First Design: A complete overhaul of the mobile interface, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.
- Simplified Navigation: Context-aware menus and easier access to essential features for users on the go.
- Optimized Tablet and Smartphone Views: Whether you're in the office or out in the field, you can now access Odoo from any mobile device with an interface that adapts seamlessly to your screen size.
These mobile enhancements are built to ensure that businesses can stay connected and productive from anywhere.
2. Master Production Schedule (MPS) for Advanced Manufacturing Planning
Odoo 18 introduces a Master Production Schedule (MPS), which is designed to improve manufacturing planning and inventory control. The new MPS feature allows you to:
- Plan Production at the Yearly Level: Easily plan and forecast production schedules across months, quarters, or a full year, giving you better visibility and control.
- Automatic Replenishment: Set up automatic replenishment rules based on demand forecasts, ensuring that inventory levels are always optimized without overstocking or running out.
- Advanced BOM and Work Order Management: Streamline work order creation and Bill of Materials (BoM) management, ensuring that all required components are available when needed.
The MPS feature is a game-changer for manufacturers looking to optimize production schedules and reduce downtime.
3. Multi-Scan Barcode Support for Improved Inventory Management
Inventory management in Odoo 18 is now even more efficient with the introduction of multi-scan barcode support. This feature allows warehouse operators to:
- Scan Multiple Items at Once: Scan multiple barcodes in one go to update inventory levels or process orders, significantly reducing the time required to complete tasks.
- Faster Stock Movements: Move items between locations or update stock levels quickly by scanning all relevant products simultaneously.
- Enhanced Workflow Efficiency: The multi-scan feature speeds up operations like stock counting, receiving, and shipping, ensuring that your warehouse runs smoothly.
This update makes warehouse management faster, more accurate, and less prone to human error.
4. Google Address Autocomplete Integration
Entering addresses in Odoo is now easier than ever thanks to the integration with Google Places API for address autocomplete. This update includes:
- Accurate Address Entries: As users type an address, Odoo will automatically suggest correct addresses based on Google’s database, reducing errors and ensuring consistency.
- Improved Data Entry Speed: Save time by eliminating the need to manually type out full addresses.
- Integration Across Modules: This feature works seamlessly across CRM, Sales, and eCommerce modules, improving user experience in various business areas.
Address autocomplete makes it easier for businesses to keep accurate customer data and process orders with greater speed.
5. Dynamic Widgets for Improved User Interactivity
Odoo 18 introduces new dynamic widgets that offer enhanced user interactivity, such as:
- Draggable Wizards: Users can now drag and drop setup wizards anywhere on the screen for a more flexible and customizable experience during configuration.
- Real-Time Data on Dashboards: Get live updates of key metrics and KPIs directly on your dashboard with the new real-time analytics feature.
- Interactive Widgets: With interactive charts, calendars, and kanban views, users can interact with and drill down into their data more easily.
These interactive features empower users to manage and analyze data more intuitively, leading to better decision-making and smoother operations.
6. Enhanced HR Features for Better Employee Management
In Odoo 18, the HR Management module has received significant updates to improve employee engagement and HR processes:
- Overtime Tracking and Time Off: New widgets to track overtime, absences, and leave balances directly from the employee dashboard.
- Fingerprint Integration: Simplify time tracking with integration to fingerprint scanners for more accurate employee attendance.
- Employee Self-Service Portal: Employees can now submit their leave requests, check overtime records, and even approve expenses directly from the self-service portal.
These features make HR management more efficient and give employees the tools to manage their own records, saving HR departments time and resources.
7. Smarter Sales and CRM Automation
Odoo 18 comes with several improvements to the Sales and CRM modules that will help teams close deals faster:
- Sales Forecasting: Get more accurate sales forecasts based on real-time data, helping sales managers make informed decisions.
- AI-Powered Lead Scoring: The AI engine now scores leads more accurately, allowing sales teams to prioritize the most promising opportunities.
- Customer Segmentation: Create smarter customer segments using advanced filters, enabling personalized marketing and sales outreach.
These updates help businesses grow their customer base, improve lead conversion rates, and boost sales team productivity.
8. Better Analytics and Reporting
Odoo 18 enhances the Analytics and Reporting capabilities across all modules:
- Live Analytics for KPIs: Real-time dashboards with interactive charts give you instant insights into your business performance.
- Advanced Reporting Tools: Get access to more powerful reporting features with customizable templates and advanced filters.
- Predictive Analytics: Odoo’s AI-powered tools now help you predict trends, stock requirements, and sales patterns, making it easier to plan ahead.
The new analytics features help businesses stay ahead of trends and make data-driven decisions faster.
Conclusion
Odoo 18 continues to push the boundaries of what an ERP can do, with advanced features across manufacturing, inventory, sales, and HR modules, as well as AI-driven tools for smarter decision-making. With improvements in mobile experience, barcode scanning, address autocomplete, and more, Odoo 18 is designed to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and make everyday business tasks more efficient.